Dear Pharmacists!
AA
I think that there is a lot of confusion about the imposition of extra year and above all the positive criticism is regarded as a politic. Many academicians including myself have written about the curriculum at various international and national levels so that it may be aligned with the needs of Pakistan. History reveals that criticism is a way to progress. I agree that professional/practical experience is necessary to get the jobs but unfortunately it is being made mandatory for registration with the provincial councils. We must know the difference between things will be done and things have been done.
Moreover; I request the pharmacists who do not possess experience/ expertise/ exposure/ sufficient informations of academic to avoid community exaggerate and confuse the task. Our main objective is to enhance the professional credibility rather than extension of tenure. Thus; I want to make few submissions for pharmacists as under;
1.) Nothing has been done in 60 years to have three types of pharmacists, A, B and C.
2). No one has guaranteed that this extra year will be paid, instead pharmacists have to pay money to companies, hospitals and pharmacies (affiliated by the Pakistan Pharmacy Council). Can anyone insure the placement of over 4000 pharmacists/year in companies, hospitals and pharmacies for training, just in Punjab?
3). At present, there is unemployment of registered pharmacists and those who are being employed are very low wages. How we can expect a good salary for unregistered pharmacists?
4). If we take the example of doctors, they get registered with their council immediately after their graduation.
5). The poor pharmacists will not be eligible to apply for Govt. jobs without registration.
6). Except studies, registration is prerequisite for those intending to go abroad for pharmacy practice.
7). What will be the fate of foreign students? Do they have to stay for one year?
8). Since, most of the pharmaceutical care facilities are only available in major cities, who will provide the secure boarding? How many can afford the boarding expenses?
There is many more reservation but I just want to cut short by the following submission.
” In annual system of education, we have three month’s holidays/year (in 5 years 15 month) that should be utilized for practical training. There is no need of extra year in a poor country like ours”
May Allah gives us strength and guidance to up-lift the pharmacy profession in Pakistan by taking required stringent steps, so that Pakistani pharmacist can have a reasonable status in society. Really, it is distressing to see a lot of unemployed people coming to seek job information, and offers are just Rs 8000/month which is extremely insufficient to meet the mere travelling expenses.
Regards
Dr. Khalid Hussain PhD (Pharm. Chemistry) University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Allama Iqbal Campus, Lahore-54000, Pakistan. Cell: +92-3324249323